I used to stare at my overflowing closet and think, I have nothing to wear. Sound familiar? The truth is, most of us don’t need more clothes—we just need a better way to style what we already own. After way too many mornings of throwing clothes on the floor in frustration, I finally figured out how to make every outfit work. Here’s what actually helped.

1. The “One Statement, One Staple” Rule

I used to overcomplicate outfits, but the easiest way to look put-together is to mix one statement piece with one staple. Think: a sleek blazer over a casual tee, or bold earrings with a basic dress. When in doubt, I let one piece do the talking and keep everything else simple.

2. Build Outfits Around Shoes

I used to pick clothes first, then panic about what shoes to wear. Game-changer: start with shoes. Sneakers? Go for relaxed, effortless pieces. Heeled boots? Instantly chic. Loafers? Perfect for a polished but casual vibe. Dressing from the ground up somehow makes everything easier.

3. Make Layering Your Secret Weapon

Layers can make the most basic outfit feel intentional. A structured blazer over a tank top? Instantly cool. A button-down left open over a fitted dress? Casual but put together. Even just adding a sleek belt to define the waist makes a difference. Layers are my go-to when I feel like my outfit is missing something.

4. Stick to a Few Go-To Color Combos

If you’ve ever put on an outfit and felt like something was off, it might be the colors. I found that sticking to three or four favorite color combos makes styling easier. Neutrals with a pop of red? Always chic. Earth tones? Timeless. Black and white? Never fails. Knowing what works saves time (and a lot of frustration).

5. Accessories Fix Everything

There have been so many times when I thought an outfit wasn’t working—until I threw on hoops, a sleek bag, or a simple scarf. The right accessory can turn “meh” into “effortlessly stylish” in seconds.